Does anyone know where to find model/casting numbers on a 455 timing cover? And possibly the water pump? I'm trying to figure out what the previous owner used when he did the build. I was told all parts were bought from TA or Summit but he couldn't remember exactly what was bought from where as the build was done a couple years ago and he's done quite a few cars since then. Any help/tips would be great and any info pros/cons to either brands would be great to know also! Thank you
Thanks for the pics. Now that's a nice piece! Well it looks like I'll have to pull off the water pump in order to see if mines a TA.
Theres usually some stampings on top of the TA cover where the coil would sit EDIT- those stamping might only be there if you bought it fully assembled
The TA has a crank trigger provision that isnt on the Proform among other differences. Easy to tell the difference.
Hi Jim do you think you could elaborate a bit please? This is my first buick and I'm not a 100% familiar with all the differences in the parts and manufacturers.
If you click here, https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-69510/overview/make/buick Then click enlarge image, you can hover your mouse over the image and really get a good look at the Proform cover. I think it gets you close enough to see the difference in the castings. There is a difference, although I'm not sure the Proform cover does not include the provision for the crank sensor. When Chinese copy something, they copy it, but quality and casting is not as good, typical Chineseum.
Thanks Larry I will do that. Is it safe to say either way I'm better off with the cover being new (3-4yrs old) rather than having and old tired original? I know that the TA cover is far superior and way nicer looking which leads me to believe mine may be the proform since it's darker in color than the nice bright TA cover bignastyGS has.
The most important part of the cover is the oil pump. The most important thing about the oil pump is the internal clearances. If the clearances were checked and pump was set up correctly, then your hot oil pressures should be good. I wouldn't be replacing the cover unless you have a problem regardless of what is on your engine currently. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/oil-pump-clearances-and-oil-pressure.326597/
Thanks Larry! I don't plan on replacing anything that is not giving me a problem. I just want to know what was used for the build since I'm not the one who built it. I know when it's time for me to change it I'm putting a TA on it. I know he put the adjustable oil pressure regulator and booster plate from TA on it he told me that for sure.
Sit down before ordering...lol I have too much invested in my motor to chance a Proform unit.Like Doug Hecker says..It's only money and I'll make more...lol
I can appreciate TA and all they do for the hobby, and spend more money than I'd like to admit there a year. That said, to get an engine together within my budget I had a Proform and NOS OEM cover on the bench to compare and choose from. The Proform cover and machining actually looked pretty good, and of course didnt need the oil passage work. We used the Proform, and it's been perfect for three seasons now..no leaks, no dist gear wear and oil pressure is constantly right where I want it with the TA adjustable regulator. I wouldn't hesitate to use one again, but if you need crank trigger or are in a position to make a consumer statement, the TA is the obvious choice.
The Pro-Form cover is an exact copy of the TA cover, crank trigger sensor mounting boss and all. Call TA, they can actually tell you which revision of it they copied. So they copied a good design, the question is not that, it's execution of that design, and consistency that is often the issues with these offshore products. I had one customer bring me one of those covers, I did in fact check it out, and use it, it performed well, and he has had no issues with it. But I would not buy one for a customer, because when I buy it, then my rep goes with it, and I have heard too many stories about that particular piece. Other than casting color, there is no way to tell the difference externally that I am aware of. Like I said, it is an exact copy of the TA product. JW
I just decided to go the TA route as I talked with many who have them and race cars built with the TA cover (as well as other TA pieces on their motors) As a consensus though,almost all of the people I spoke with stated they would rather use the ProForm over the choice of an old, used, cover. Most also stated for a daily car or lightly modified motor,the Pro Form would be best cost wise,but all told me to watch the tolerances in the oil pump area.(a given that any should be checked in any cover).I looked at in my situation I have $4000 worth of crank,pistons and rods inside and the TA reputation is a good one in itself so I chose to spend a little more.I don't even have as near money as many other people so I feel absolutely comfortable with my decision.I can hear Dough Hecker's voice inside my head anymore...lol
